5 Must-Eat Spots in New Orleans (and Exactly What to Order!)

New Orleans is a city that sings to your soul—with music, history, and oh yes, FOOD. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, one thing is certain: you’ll eat well. From powdered-sugar-dusted mornings to seafood dinners full of flavor, here are 5 must-eat spots in NOLA and exactly what you should order at each one.

And if you’re looking for a beautiful place to stay while you eat your way through the city, we loved our stay at The Eliza Jane—a boutique hotel tucked just a few blocks from the French Quarter. It’s charming, quiet, and full of character, with the perfect mix of New Orleans history and modern comfort.

5 Must Eat Spots in NOLA

1. Café Du Monde
800 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116
Must Order: Beignets & Chicory Coffee

This one’s a classic, and for good reason. Café Du Monde has been serving up hot, fluffy beignets since 1862. Covered in mountains of powdered sugar and paired with their famous chicory coffee, it’s the breakfast (or anytime snack) dreams are made of. Pro tip: there’s always a line at the original French Market location, but it moves quickly. Grab a seat, soak in the live jazz, and enjoy the sweet start to your NOLA adventure.

2. The Ruby Slipper Café
1005 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70112
Must Order: Trifecta Bennie’s & Mimosa Flight

Brunch lovers, this one’s for you. The Ruby Slipper puts a New Orleans twist on Southern brunch favorites. The Trifecta Bennie’s lets you sample three different eggs Benedict styles in one dish. Pair that with a mimosa flight—because choosing between orange, pomegranate, peach, or seasonal flavors is just too hard. The vibe is casual and family-friendly, perfect for refueling after a busy morning of exploring.

3. Seaworthy
630 Carondelet St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Must Order: Fresh Oysters & Bread + Butter

This upscale yet cozy spot is nestled in a historic Creole cottage. Seaworthy focuses on sustainable seafood and offers a curated selection of fresh oysters from across the country. But don’t overlook the humble bread and butter—it’s warm, crusty, and served with whipped butter that’s sprinkled with sea salt. It’s deceptively simple, but unforgettable. Go for a light lunch or happy hour!

4. NOLA Poboys
908 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70116
Must Order: Catfish Poboy

Nothing says New Orleans like a good poboy, and NOLA Poboys hits the spot. Their catfish poboy is perfectly seasoned and fried, tucked into fresh French bread with lettuce, tomato, and that signature New Orleans “dressed” flair. It’s messy, hearty, and everything you want in street food. It’s a quick and casual bite right in the heart of the French Quarter.

5. Mr. B’s Bistro
201 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Must Order: BBQ Shrimp, Crab Cake & Pecan Pie

For dinner, treat yourself to something special. Mr. B’s Bistro is upscale New Orleans dining with a warm, Southern welcome. Their BBQ Shrimp is legendary—served shell-on in a peppery, buttery sauce that you’ll want to soak up with crusty bread. Add a crab cake appetizer and finish with a slice of rich, gooey pecan pie. It’s the kind of meal you’ll still be dreaming about on the plane ride home.

Where We Stayed: The Eliza Jane Hotel
315 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130

A quick walk from many of these must-eat spots, The Eliza Jane is a gem of a hotel that blends the charm of New Orleans’ historic architecture with the comfort of a stylish boutique stay. Built within a collection of former warehouses—including one that once housed a newspaper press—it’s full of character and cozy corners. We loved the peaceful atmosphere, beautiful design, and how close it was to everything we wanted to explore (especially the food!).

Final Thoughts

New Orleans is a feast for the senses, and food is right at the center of it all. These five spots give you a taste of the city’s soul—from sweet beginnings to savory endings. Whether you’re planning a family trip, a friends’ getaway, or a solo foodie tour, make sure to add these to your must-eat list!

Have you tried any of these NOLA favorites? I’d love to hear your go-to dishes or hidden gems in the comments below!